by Kit Chen
On a warm sunny day in early July, iDKHOW brought on the Mancunian band, the Balancing Act to support them as they continued the UK leg of their tour.
Before iDKHOW took the stage, Balancing Act opened to a crowd of eager eyes and ears. Their energy suited the main act with a surprise usage of a hand mic mid way though the set. It felt awfully familiar sonically to the main stars of the night making it a great way to start the evening.
With the crowd's excitement at its highest, on came the act everyone had been waiting for. This was the first time the band had been in the UK since 2021, and they blew it out of the water with this performance.. iDKHOW is Dallon Weeke's music project, having formed after his departure from Panic! at the Disco.
He and his band performed both new and old melodies, even songs of Weeke's music from a prior project of his. With performances of "Choke" (having recently resurfaced on TikTok, as it does every so often), "Do It All The Time," and songs from his new album GLOOM DIVISON, this was the perfect night for any fans, new or old.
There were many references to his upbringing throughout the set, as they are heavily featured on his new album, and they would be used to segway into different songs. Weeke's way with words was mesmerizing, and the audience adored and listened to everything he said..
During "Visitation of a Ghost," Weekes walked towards the crowd, splitting them and creating a walkway for himself. As he spoke about personal space and directed everyone to cooperate in his call and response, fans of all ages and backgrounds filmed him and chatted with enthusiasm. After the walkway segment, many would recognize the starting to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s viral hit “Murder on the Dancefloor." in which the whole audience was back on their feet, moving along to the mashup.
Now, with the room energized, it was time to switch it up as the crowd waved their phone flashlights during "Kiss Goodnight." A song about how he met his wife, Breezy, who he frequently dedicates and writes music about. It was such a connecting moment for everyone there and an extremely sweet note for the night.
Ending the night, the encore included "Nobody Likes the Opening Band" in which the singer Kai Roberts from Balancing Act was brought on stage briefly and to perform "Boring" by the Brobecks. As the crowd waved their goodbyes after the two slower songs, you were left still buzzed from the excitement from the last hour and a half. The long time fan in me was so happy, and the evolution of Weeke's work was admirable. It was such a memorable night with how interactive everyone was. This is the perfect concert for anyone that remotely enjoys live music.
iDKHOW (Photos by Coco "Kit" Chen)
Balancing Act (Photos by Coco "Kit" Chen)
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